Inspired by those who take what we make and make it their own

Main menu

AEO Friends & Family: Andrew W., Digital Media Specialist

Meet Andrew W., Digital Media Specialist for AEO. Andrew directs, films, and edits corporate communication videos for our store associates as well as special projects for exclusive use on our social media channels. (Check out his denim videos!) Read on to learn more about Andrew and how he became involved in video production.

American Eagle Outfitters Digital Media Specialist Andrew W.

How did you get your start at AEO?

I worked at a production company here in Pittsburgh after graduating. They had done some work for AEO before we decided to bring video production in house, so that’s how I knew about it initially. I saw a posting looking for a part-time freelance editor online and jumped on it. Part-time freelance editor eventually turned into full time in all aspects of production.

How did you find your passion for film/video?

It started off just having fun with friends early on, making stop motion videos with stuffed hamsters or filming terrible skateboard tricks. Through high school I used video to create a lot of projects and always really enjoyed creating a story but also trying to pull one over on teachers by making it really awesome visually with no actual educational content. I somehow finagled my way into creating a video for my Trigonometry final. It had very little to do with math but I got an A. That’s about the same time I began to consider it as career choice.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I get a lot of my inspiration from close friends within the world of film and video. I’ve met a lot of creative people along the way and they really never cease to amaze me with their creativity and ability to think so obscurely, but so defined. Other art forms constantly provide inspiration as well. Photography, fashion, industrial design, and, really, even cooking provides me with inspiration. We live in a really cool, visual world. You just have to be willing to see it that way.

Where is the coolest place you have traveled for AEO?

I’m not very well traveled but I did have an incredible opportunity last year to travel the US and Canada on a tour bus as we filmed some undercover shopping for AEO. It was a crazy experience and I saw a lot of places that I never would have had any reason to go. I think the coolest place on the trip was a visit to the Canadian Rockies. It was just beautiful. The middle of Canada was really interesting, too, because it was just miles upon miles of flat land with a whole lot of snow. Kind of bizarre when you’re used to civilization.

A shot from Andrew’s Instagram during his Canadian road trip with AEO.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is honestly interacting with new people on a regular basis. I find some comfort behind a computer screen when I’m editing, but I really love learning about people and places and things. The blueberry pancakes in the café are also a huge plus.

I shoot wedding photography on the weekends. That’s pretty fun since everyone is always super happy and I love to shoot photos. I’m an avid runner and try to cycle when time and weather permits. I recently got into brewing beer so I’ve been spending a lot of my free time doing that. It’s been awesome.

Andrew running cross country for Point Park University.

What’s next on your life “to do” list?

Chronologically, I don’t know what’s “next” but I have some long term goals that I’d like to see through sometime in life. On the short list are things like opening a business, travel abroad to check out a live stage of the Tour De France, qualify for the Boston Marathon, get more followers on Instagram, and finish some sort of food challenge. Maybe a pizza challenge. Mmm, pizza.